Eighth UK Labour member quits amid rabid anti-Semitism in Corbyn-led party

Joan Ryan joins seven other members who have said that “enough is enough” regarding keeping silent about Corbyn’s fitness for office.

By JNS.org

On Tuesday, an eighth U.K. Labour member followed seven others who left the party the day before amid the anti-Semitism issue perpetuated by its leader, Jeremy Corbyn.

In a statement, Joan Ryan slammed Corbyn: “He’s allowed the Labour Party to become institutionally anti-Semitic, and he has a direct responsibility as leader.”

The seven members—Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey and Chuka Umunna—said that “enough is enough” regarding keeping silent about Corbyn’s fitness for office.

Berger, who is Jewish, had been a particularly strong critic of Labour’s handling of anti-Semitism, labeling the party “institutionally anti-Semitic,” and that she had become “embarrassed and ashamed” to remain. Berger, who represents Liverpool, had been a frequent target of anti-Semitic attacks since being in office.

“I am leaving behind a culture of bullying, bigotry and intimidation. I look forward to a future serving with colleagues who respect each other,” she said.

The lawmakers also expressed alarm over Corbyn’s handling of Brexit. They all support a second referendum on the decision for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, a move that Corbyn opposes.